Landracing Forum
Loring Timing Association (Maine) => Loring (AFB) land speed venue => Topic started by: dickj on March 20, 2009, 10:27:04 PM
-
What's available in the way of lodging for this event?
I went camping in Maine when I was a little kid and I remember a of twin engine mosquito trying to carry my little brother off. Is this a consideration for camping?
Post something on tires as soon as possible.
DickJ
-
DJ !
Nice to see you here !
At the request of some anonymous attendees, we have secured the services of the Maine State Police to perform multiple Coefficient of Friction tests on our runway as soon as the snow melts. It will serve our purposes, provide them with a training exercise , and familiarize them with the venue and the LTA. This should happen in late April or May, dependant on the two feet of Snow still on the runway. As soon as those numbers are available, we will post them so tire choices can be made.
This all was accomplished by our Main Man in Maine, Mark S, a LSR newbie and #1 local contact near our venue.
As for camping, currently tents aren't allowed, but we are working on that. RVs are allowed at the adjoining Golf Course parking lot, although no hook ups are available, We will find a water connection, either a hose or a tank for both the RVs and trackside.
I get differing opinions on The Maine Black Fly, general consensus is they are gone by our Meet dates. The last Squadron taxis off in formation in late June/early July.
Really hope to see you and your ? up there !!!
BOB W, Insect Control & Water Finder Officer, LTA
-
ROOMS !!! Duh...
Caribou Inn, mention LTA racers discount, $88 @ night, includes 4 to a room AND Saturday night we have a Salt Talks type event poolside there .
Reserve a room(s) there , you can always cancel when we expand our choices .
http://www.caribouinn.com/flash/
Bob W ,CRS Officer LTA
-
This all was accomplished by our Main Man in Maine, Mark S, a LSR newbie and #1 local contact near our venue.
BOB W, Insect Control & Water Finder Officer, LTA
Bob,
Would he then be called, Mark "The Maine Main Man" S, or "Quad M" :? :wink: :-D
-
Bob,
Providing I don't blow up or break anything at the Texas Mile next weekend, I'm planning on the short drive up to Maine. Look forward to seeing you then.
DickJ
In east Texas
-
are available, We will find a water connection, either a hose or a tank for both the RVs and trackside.
I get differing opinions on The Maine Black Fly, general consensus is they are gone by our Meet dates. The last Squadron taxis off in formation in late June/early July.
:oops:
Hot weather takes car of the black flies. They will be gone. Mosquitoes are less predictable. Bring soom Ben's fly dope.
-
Mostly for the benefit of those of you that aren't aware yet, this is the address (below) for the Loring Timing Association and
information for our event to be held in August this year.We recommend reading all
the info available, and we hope it answers enough questions. Pre
Registrations can be submitted now, or if you are unfamiliar with Land Speed Racing
, you can first order a Rulebook which has most of what info you need to
prepare to attend and run your vehicle.
We will soon also add a Aerial based map picture of the site to familiarize
everybody with the facility.
We will also add a News icon for regular updates on available
accommodations and dining facilities in the area.
Directions are also forthcoming .
In the meantime, have patience if we've forgotten anything or confused an
issue, we will straighten it all out very shortly.
We thank all of you that kept the faith waiting and watching our progress.
We again openly thank our Mentors at The ECTA for their ongoing help ,
this probably could not have been done without them. And if it's a failure,
blame them. LOL.
Bob W, LTA, Co Conspirator at Large
http://www.lta-lsr.com/
-
Well, I didn't break anything at the Texas Mile. In fact, we had a great weekend with a top speed over 194, so, my LTA early registration and check just went in the mail.
DickJ
In East Texas
-
Well, I didn't break anything at the Texas Mile. In fact, we had a great weekend with a top speed over 194, so, my LTA early registration and check just went in the mail.
DickJ
In East Texas
dickJ, what are machine you bringing to Loring?? (for the list thread)
-
I have free unlimited camping for anyone who needs it in Lagrange maine (cue zztop)
it is 15 minutes up a dirt road and 2.5 hours from the event
but it is FREE and available
e-mail me at homeygib@hotmail.com if interested :mrgreen:
-
Coefficient of Friction test update...
The Maine State Police notified us today they plan to be on the runway either the last week of May or the first week of June. As soon as we get a date, we'll have a LTA delegation up to assist (annoy) and relay the info ASAP.
We're still working on additional lodging choices , especially for RVs and Campers.
Stay tuned.
Bob W
-
I called the Caribou, checking the rooms situation. They have 6 rms left, one bed each.
According to the desk reservist person, our LTA group has reserved 60 rooms out of the 70 they have. I hope everyone interested in coming has heeded my advice.
We are still researching other options, both camping and indoors, will post immediately what we found.
Bob W
-
Tripadvisor.com list a few B&Bs in the area. I saw a nasty review for the Loring Inn which may have been base housing at one point but didn't really research it. Looks like some nice stuff in Grand Falls and there maybe something in the town that is about 9 miles south of the Caribou Inn.
-
Loring Inn, on base, is shut down, due to economy. To the south is the Presque Isle Inn, owned by the same people as the Caribou Inn. I'll call Monday, see if I can get our LTA discount applied to that place also. A Days Inn is currently being constructed across the street from the above in P.I. , and we've been in contact with them about the grand opening.
I'll check that out too.
I'm gettintg those Woodstock flashbacks again.
Bob W, LTA BedHunter
-
I called the Caribou, checking the rooms situation. They have 6 rms left, one bed each.
According to the desk reservist person, our LTA group has reserved 60 rooms out of the 70 they have. I hope everyone interested in coming has heeded my advice.
We are still researching other options, both camping and indoors, will post immediately what we found.
Bob W
2 singles left on the 7th...
-
Caribou Inn sold out !
Go to http://www.presqueisleinn.com/ , ask for LTA racers discount, $ 84, same deal; as Caribou Inn, slightly cheaper. It's "been remodeled", hopefully same standard as Caribou Inn. We are still working on alternatives, will; keep you all posted.
Watch this topic for updates !
Bob Wanner, Aroostook BedHunter.
-
Also just got word there is the Northern Maine Fair during our event. http://www.northernmainefairgrounds.com/
It takes place in Presque Isle, which leads me to highly recommend reserving those rooms now..
Good Luck..
Bob W
-
As of today, Camping/Parking/RVs will all be allowed to stay the whole weekend in the pit area just west of the Start line . Check out the Map for the pits/spectator area, that's the home of the semi-roofless ! Just try to keep it one step above a refugee camp, OK ? We'll have it marked off for our weekend, all thanks to our pals in the Loring Development Authority, And Mark Sotomayor, our Maine Main Man, who makes all the local calls in "the County" ( what locals call "Aroostock County").
We are working on making everything as homey as we can, hang in there.
Bob W
-
As of today, Camping/Parking/RVs will all be allowed to stay the whole weekend in the pit area just west of the Start line . Check out the Map for the pits/spectator area, that's the home of the semi-roofless ! Just try to keep it one step above a refugee camp, OK ? We'll have it marked off for our weekend, all thanks to our pals in the Loring Development Authority, And Mark Sotomayor, our Maine Main Man, who makes all the local calls in "the County" ( what locals call "Aroostock County").
We are working on making everything as homey as we can, hang in there.
Bob W
Thanks for persuading the Loring Development Authority to allow us that privilege, even though I'm asleep at night I like to be next to my race vehicle and equipment. If the upgrades on the Wabbit go as planned next week my registration will be in the mail in the next few weeks see you all soon.
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!
-
I'm sure this sounds silly, but is the camping area on grass or pavement?
-
Check out "start area" map on track info page on http://www.lta-lsr.com/.
You'll see grassy area on bottom, or South of Pit/Spectator area.
If you plan on digging a latrine, please share, we'd save money on the porta potties.
Bob W
-
I was just wondering if the Caribou has plenty of parking with some pull through spots since I will have my 4x6 trailer behind my Jeep.
-
The parking lot surrounds the Inn, I don't think you'll have a problem.
Unless you lock it up and leave it in the pit area ?
It's all new to all of us, we only try to make the best of what we can.
BOB W
-
Milt,
"pull through" ? I guess that single axle 4x6 is wicked to back up ?
My crew laughs at me as I can not back up to well using the mirrors.. I have to open the drivers door and lean out and look over my shoulder.. But my truck is over 20 feet long and my trailer is just over 24ft (tail to tongue)
See you in June.
Charles
-
Charles: Here's what I learned (finally) just last year about backing a trailer:
Hold the steering wheel at the BOTTOM of the wheel, then move the BOTTOM of the wheel in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to move. I.E. if you want the trailer to head to your left -- you'll be turning the steering wheel to the right because you're moving the bottom of that wheel to the left. I'm getting pretty good at it -- still have to stop and make a correction now and then, but better And driving the 53'-semi around the yard and into the dock (at the old office) has given me some good practice.
Remember: The bottom of the steering wheel moves in the direction you want to have the trailer go.
-
Jon, I hear ya on that concept,,, but combine that with looking through the mirrors then trying to think backwards !!! .. I can back my trailer down my 12ft wide driveway.. the only near miss was I was leaing out the door trying to get past the stairwell going up to the storage area and almost fell out of the truck.
(extreme lean angle combines with a downhill driveway that is off camber,, .. I am sure you have a good mental picture of that :-D
I will try you suggestion again... Hope I get to the pits early enough on Friday that there is no obe near when I try it ...LOL
Charles
-
:-D Charles, gravity sucks don't it? Crow
-
Crow,, yeah in many respects...but I guess it is needed...without it we would get no traction !!!!
-
Charles, when driving a semi with a regular "box van" trailer (completely enclosed kind, that is) there are no mirrors except those on the outside of the truck, so there's no chance to look except through them. Then -- when you're backing and want the trailer to go towards the passenger side -- the mirror on the drivers side is of no use (all you can see is scenery) so you've got only the one on the passenger side. You might not know it -- but it's very common for that mirror (passenger side) to be motorized so that the driver can move it to show the tail of the trailer when backing and turning.
I'm barely okay when it comes to backing a big trailer, but I do okay with the race trailer (26'). The guys with the 53' trailers behind semis -- they're so good it's downright scary.
I'll try to be there when you arrive -- with the camera on "video" mode - so I can post your efforts here.
-
Jon, sounds like you want to take a video for extortion purposes ... LOL
If I start to struggle backing up in the pits and I see you with a camera,, you can darn bet I am locking in 4x4 and making my own "pull through" parking spot...
Heck I am getting better at backing up.. I can back down the drive and between the stairs and basketball goal without going in the grass or hitting anything.
The rig is as long as my first shop (40ft + )
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/cajunkid5690/IMG_1021.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/cajunkid5690/IMG_0342.jpg)
Here is the look from the 10ft wide paved provate road to my back yard and shops,, notice the stairs and basketball goal I have to deal with.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/cajunkid5690/IMG_0339.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/cajunkid5690/IMG_0345-1.jpg)
-
Actually, I am getting pretty good at backing it in but I don't see many lots with deep spaces to back into so I usually go for pulling 'thru' 2 spaces in the middle rows.
-
As of today, Camping/Parking/RVs will all be allowed to stay the whole weekend in the pit area just west of the Start line . Check out the Map for the pits/spectator area, that's the home of the semi-roofless ! Just try to keep it one step above a refugee camp, OK ? We'll have it marked off for our weekend, all thanks to our pals in the Loring Development Authority, And Mark Sotomayor, our Maine Main Man, who makes all the local calls in "the County" ( what locals call "Aroostock County").
We are working on making everything as homey as we can, hang in there.
Bob W
Bob,
I know that you cleared up and took care of entrants being able to camp overnight, but how about spectators, will they be able to do the same? You may have already stated what the spectator entry fee is, but I can't locate that information, can you please tell me what it will cost for a spectator to see the racing and if there is a camping fee for them.
Thanks again for your help,
-
Spectators need only sign the waiver /release at the gate, affix the arm/wrist band/ and they are good to go for the whole event. Camping overnight(s) is just 24 hour spectating, and as we've not arranged any luxurious amenities , like running water , I don't see why we'd charge for it. This year might go down as the discount deal of the LTA-LSR First year, so enjoy it .
We are considering asking some of the overnight people to help oversee the site for security, nothing formal, just yell if Bears overturn the Porta Pottie , or Coyotes and Sandpipers stage Match races.
Bob W
-
Spectators need only sign the waiver /release at the gate, affix the arm/wrist band/ and they are good to go for the whole event. Camping overnight(s) is just 24 hour spectating, and as we've not arranged any luxurious amenities , like running water , I don't see why we'd charge for it. This year might go down as the discount deal of the LTA-LSR First year, so enjoy it .
We are considering asking some of the overnight people to help oversee the site for security, nothing formal, just yell if Bears overturn the Porta Pottie , or Coyotes and Sandpipers stage Match races.
Bob W
Thanks Bob,
I do have a habit of sleeping in 4 hour shifts (something to do with an old bladder) so I'll help keep an eye out for the outhouse flipping bears, fortunately I have an outhouse-inhouse inside my bus, so it will only be when I actually see one of the bears in action :-o
-
As of today, Camping/Parking/RVs will all be allowed to stay the whole weekend in the pit area just west of the Start line . Check out the Map for the pits/spectator area, that's the home of the semi-roofless ! Just try to keep it one step above a refugee camp, OK ? We'll have it marked off for our weekend, all thanks to our pals in the Loring Development Authority, And Mark Sotomayor, our Maine Main Man, who makes all the local calls in "the County" ( what locals call "Aroostock County").
We are working on making everything as homey as we can, hang in there.
Bob W
Bob,
First of all the check is in the mail, now for a couple more questions;
What is the earliest that we can get into the camping are of the pits?
What is the latest that we have to be out of the same area?
At Maxton, I usually arrive Thursday Morning and then stay overnight on Sunday and leave Monday morning, is this time frame workable at Loring?
Thanks again for all of you efforts and help!!
-
John,
Arriving Thursday, leaving Tuesday is OK. Just don't hammer in your tent pins until I talk at you, need to make sure we have our areas bordered off properly.
Good idea getting there early, for those navigating up from the south. getting past the Boston traffic on Friday night and Sunday night is good thinking.
BW
-
John,
Arriving Thursday, leaving Tuesday is OK. Just don't hammer in your tent pins until I talk at you, need to make sure we have our areas bordered off properly.
Good idea getting there early, for those navigating up from the south. getting past the Boston traffic on Friday night and Sunday night is good thinking.
BW
Thanks Bob,
Hopefully my bus and trailer won't blow away, so I don't plan on using any tent pins, unless you know something about strong winds that you aren't telling us :-D
(http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/99502473.jpg)
Here is a tip for campers that plan on using generators, I had a vertical removable extension made for my generator to get the exhaust up away from the surrounding area, carbon monoxide poisining can be deadly, hopefully we will have cool nights and won't need to run generators at night.
(http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/28947332.jpg)
-
For anyone who was planning on visiting LL Bean, etc:
From the Maine DOT website:
I-295 Northbound will be closed June 16th through the end of August.
I-295 Northbound is now closed from Topsham to Gardiner, however, you can still easily travel north on I-295. If you are headed north on I-295 in Topsham, you will be routed onto the new I-295 Southbound lanes via a temporary crossover. Another crossover will connect you back to the northbound lanes in Gardiner—easy and simple!
Going south? Similar to last year, take Route 201 to destinations like Freeport or take the Turnpike for a straight shot to Portland. Whether you choose one of these routes or one of the several others in between, it should only add an additional ten to fifteen minutes to your trip.
-
Anybody already reserved rooms that finds they either are not coming or have more than they need, please inform me first here, we'll see to it that other LTA LSR types get them rather than release them back to the Caribou or Presque Isle Hotels.
Contact me off line , so there's less feedback.
Bob W
-
Hey Bob,
A couple of Easy questions for ya, and I apologize ahead of time if they are in the asked and answered column.
Are we to use East Gate Road for getting onto the base?
Do you recommend taking 1A to Limestone and then heading west on 89 or taking 1 up through Caribou and then east on 89?
Thanks & see ya there
-
Dear Half,
If you are driving Northbound , probably after 1/2 way up exiting I-95 Exit 302, you'd have the opportunity in Mars Hill to decide at the intersection to go either left at Benjamin St or Right at Fort St , both marked US 1. The left goes through more smaller towns, some with speed limits as low as 25mph ( enforced) , the right is shorter and faster. If taking the right, you'd eventually turn left at Limestone on Access rd 89 to the Track. From the opposite side out of Caribou, it's about 9.5 miles to the Mobil station at the entrance rd.
People reserving rooms in Presque Isle or Caribou would take the left turn in Mars Hill.
We are working on sufficient signage from Access rd 89 all the way in to the pits.
Again, after driving all that distance on I-95, at SPEED, it's real easy to blow the local limits, be careful !!!
Bob your tour guide Wanner
-
Received this, am reprinting it w/ his permission. Mainly lodging, but other interesting stuff ....BOB W
"We have decided not to bring our Electrathon race car to Loring for the trials. We just returned from our trip to the Ford Michigan Proving Grounds and are, frankly, exhausted and broke. It was worth it, though, as we set a new Electrathon world record...62.0 miles in one hour, with about 1.2 horsepower.
I was in Limestone a few weeks ago, delivering my son to a summer camp at the Math & Science school, so I was able to take a liesurely drive down the runway...it looks remarkably level and smooth, given its age, and I look forward to making a run at speed...maybe next year.
We stayed at the Lakeside Lodge, just minutes over the border from Limestone, and I highly reccomend it. The owner is a retired German engineer (and great cook), the accommodations excellent and affordable. You should consider it as an overflow option for people attending the event. Its probably not big enough for everyone, but way nicer than sending them down to Presque Isle. In fact the room I just cancelled should be available (506)473-6252.
C. Michael Lewis
Portland, ME